🌎 This Week At Universal

Making your Universal Orlando trips smarter, one email at a time.

In this edition you'll find:

• A brand new Universal park in the U.K.

• Helios Grand opens unexpectedly early

• Early Epic Universe previews open to everyone

• and more!

🗞️ Recent News

Universal set to open brand new park in the U.K.

Universal Destinations & Experiences is planning to build its first European theme park and resort in the UK, specifically south of Bedford, on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks. The project is expected to open in 2031 and could attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year.

Universal has been on an absolute roll lately. They are already opening 3 attraction locations in the U.S. in Vegas, Texas, and Orlando and now adding to that with the U.K.

I know all of the fans across the pond must be really excited about this!

You can read the full press release here!

The Helios Grand Hotel is opening much earlier!

Previously the Helios Grand Hotel that sits inside Epic Universe was slated to open its doors on May 22nd — the same day Epic Universe opens — but now it will be opening next week on April 16th.

Reservations are available now so head here to book a night there!

You can get access to Epic Universe a month early

Universal is conducting early previews at Epic Universe leading up to the grand opening. The past couple weeks it has been strictly just Team Members and their families, this past week it was media and influencers, but starting on April 17th until May 8th anyone will be able to experience Epic Universe early with a few different qualifiers:

You have to be only one of the following:

• A pass holder

• A Military Freedom Pass holder

• A Universal credit card holder

• Staying at a Universal property.

Regardless of which category you fall under you still have to purchase a ticket to Epic Universe to experience it early. Ticket prices range from $123-$144.

If you are staying at a Universal property and want to experience Epic Universe during the previews then you will be able to purchase a ticket at the ticket center in each respective hotel. NOTE: They are limited quantity, so for the best chance of getting a ticket I would show up as early as possible.

🚧 Upcoming Ride Closures

Islands of Adventure

• The Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts™ Castle

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™: April 9, 2025

☀️ Weather

Planning your Universal Orlando trip? Here's your weekly weather outlook so you can pack accordingly!

Wednesday, April 9
Partly cloudy with a chance of a late afternoon thundershower.
High: 79°F Low: 62°F

Thursday, April 10
Mix of clouds and sun with a couple of showers.
High: 78°F Low: 63°F

Friday, April 11
Mostly sunny and less humid; breezy in the afternoon.
High: 84°F Low: 60°F

Saturday, April 12
Sunny and beautiful, but windy.
High: 77°F Low: 55°F

Sunday, April 13
Another beautiful, sunny day.
High: 79°F Low: 57°F

Monday, April 14
Clear skies and sunshine.
High: 84°F Low: 60°F

Tuesday, April 15
Plenty of sunshine.
High: 87°F Low: 63°F

👥 Crowds & Park Hours

✅ Tips for Beating the Crowds:

• Arrive before park opening, especially on red days (Fri–Tues).

• Take advantage of Early Park Admission (EPA) if you’re staying at a Universal hotel or have eligible tickets.

• Consider purchasing Universal Express Passes for the weekend and early-week days.

• Use the official Universal Orlando app for real-time wait times and mobile ordering.

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